Nightclub fire kills 43 in China

A fire in a Chinese nightclub near the border with Hong Kong killed 43 people and left 88 injured, state media reported today.

The fire broke out late last night at the King of the Dancers club in Shenzhen in southern China while hundreds of people were watching a show.

There was a stampede as revellers tried to flee the club, which is on the third floor of a building with only a narrow passageway leading to the stairs.

An initial police investigation found that the blaze was triggered by fireworks ignited during the show, the Xinhua news agency reported. Twelve people were arrested in connection with the fire.

"I saw people rushing out at about 11 pm and all lights were off," club employee Yang Zhi told Xinhua. "Many people were hurt in the stampede."

He soaked his clothes and ran out but suffered burns to his neck.

Local media and witnesses told Reuters that the club operated without a proper licence but no confirmation was available from officials. Hong Kong broadcaster ATV said the club had no windows and only one exit.